King Charles Announces New UK Labour Government To End Anti-Gay “Conversion Therapy”
Can Labour finally deliver on a promise that’s been years in the making? As ITV reports, King Charles announced today that the Labour government will stop attempts to change someone’s sexuality or gender identity.
Theresa May (former Conservative PM) first made this pledge in 2018 after a series of investigations by ITV News. Recent research by LGBTQIA+ anti-abuse charity Galop in 2022 found that one in five LGBTQIA+ people had faced attempts to cure or suppress their identity.
“Boris Johnson tried to ditch the proposed ban when he took office,” says activist Jamie Lee. “But ITV News leaked his intentions, and Conservative MPs forced him into a U-turn.”
Rishi Sunak’s government delayed the pledge again, omitting it from last year’s King’s Speech. The debate around banning so-called trans conversion therapy has been intense, often sparking passionate discussions.
The recent Cass Review has intensified discussions about gender transition among children. There are concerns about unintended consequences of a ban, such as accidentally criminalising parents, therapists, or doctors who explore a person’s gender identity with good intentions.
“We recognise the important role that teachers, religious leaders, parents, and carers can have in supporting those exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity,” says a Labour spokesperson.
Drawing careful parameters in law could be difficult, so the government has promised a draft bill at this stage. This will allow for parliamentary debate about the wording.
Many people are excited about this news, but there’s still work to do. The law isn’t ready yet, and the process to a full ban is ongoing. “We’re hopeful,” says Lee. “But we’ll keep pushing until it’s done.”
